Donald W. Harward

Prior to the Bates presidency, Donald West Harward earned his Ph.D. in philosophy and published research in mathematics, analytical philosophy, epistemology and logic.

Through expanded academic programs and campus facilities, spirited efforts to reach out beyond Bates, and a near-constant encouragement to the Bates community to engage in the work of the College collaboratively and with civility, Harward helped Bates discover ways to translate a traditional culture of hard work, egalitarianism and social justice into greater excellence and national reputation.

“There are no spectator sports at Bates,” he once said. “The College depends on participation and involvement.” Bates created 22 significant new facilities and two dozen new academic programs during Harward’s tenure. Through increased study-abroad programs, more support for student-faculty collaborations and a renowned service-learning program, students and faculty explored the world outside Bates.

“We reaffirmed the notion that learning carries a responsibility to the outside world,” Harward said. The LA Excels collaboration established under Harward, called “the most extensive community development project in the history of the state” by then-Maine Gov. Angus King, inspired Bates and the community to recast their relationship and identify shared aspirations; upon his retirement, the Bates Board of Trustees endowed the Donald W. and Ann M. Harward Center for Community Partnerships.